Blue Ribbon Day

We all know that Peter got off to a........rocky start with swimming, but since then, he's been taking the pool by storm. Last week, he did such a great job listening to his teacher, and doing no crying at all, that he got a "happy day" ribbon at the end of class. Yay, Peter! Peter is getting much more comfortable in the water. I think our trips to free swim have helped a lot too. Peter loves to lay back in his inner tube and relax and enjoy the water. I'm so proud of Peter for doing something that was scary for him and learning that when he gives it a try, he can do anything.

Front Yard Sprinkles

Perhaps there's no better way to beat the heat then the good ol' slip 'n slide. On some hot afternoons, we've been enjoying some serious sliding. Then, the best part, relaxing on the driveway and letting the sun warm you up. It's the best!

Birthday Bash

Happy Birthday, Lightning McQueen! In honor of your big day, Lizzy and Peter decided to throw you a party. They decorated the car garage with homemade birthday signs, and even set aside a special spot for your presents. Hope you had a great day!

Summer Mud

There is something just so alluring about mud. Maybe it's the gooeyness, or the dirtiness, or the squishy way it rolls through your fingers. I'm not quite sure, but I do know that Lizzy and Peter love it, and I've grown fond of it too (outside). It's perfect for cakes or creating other tasty treats and always comes with lots of smiles and giggles. I'm just not sure why it always seems to mysteriously appear after I've just cleaned the floor. Maybe that's the true great thing about mud: it's tinge of naughtiness. You know you shouldn't get so dirty, but it just feels so darn good to through cleanliness to the wind and dive on in.

Golf Buddies

And so it's begun......daddy's attempt to pass his love affair with golf onto his family. Pat had some built-up points from airline miles, and decided to spend them on an adorable golf set for Lizzy. You know Pat must really love golf, because he was so excited to buy these clubs, and he's not a spontaneous buyer. Her bag is darling, and perfect for a little girl. It's pink with white flowers, and comes with a small set of clubs. Lizzy seems to really like it, and they've already spent some time "doing hits" in the backyard. Lizzy is eager and excited, and very open to giving it a try. I so hope she sticks with it. Maybe she'll inspire me to pick up a club and give it a swing!

Disneyland!

Oh, what a trip! Simply put, we had a fabulous time! I could say it was because of the cool rides. They were pretty awesome, and it was exciting to see Lizzy and Peter having such fun, being daring, trying something new. Or our awesome hotel- feeling luxurious, and spoiled, and fancy, that's pretty great too. Or pool time- we loved our afternoons splashing with our cousins, going down the big water-slide, watching the kids learning to swim. But honestly, I think it was just being together that I loved so much. I loved watching our kids have such fun with their cousins. Literally lighting up when they saw them, walking hand-in-hand, laughing together and having the best time. I loved the easy way we all went in-and-out with one another, taking time with our own little families and then seamlessly joining together. I loved having this shared experience of something wonderful- the lights, the shows, the wonder, the countless big-kid and I-can-do-it-myself moments. I loved being spoiled not by stuff, but by time together- truly the most decadent of treasures.

Memory Lane

On our way down to Disneyland, we stopped at UCLA. Of course, this place is extra special for Pat and I because we spent so many happy, wonderful years here. It's always amazing when you visit somewhere that holds a special place in your hear, how much it is the same, even though you may be entirely different. We loved getting to walk around campus, visit some of our favorite spots, notice how things have changed, and mostly reminisce about all the fun we had, where we studied, what our lives were like. It was pretty surreal to walk down Bruin Walk with Lizzy and Peter chasing around us, and thinking that it wasn't that long ago when we were young, no kids at all, just each other and our friends in this fabulous place. Even now, all these years later, we still feel so thankful we got to study at such a wonderful school, walk through these amazing buildings, and feel a part of such a magical place.

Avila Beach

We just returned from the most fabulous family vacation ever! We've never been on a big trip before as a family, and certainly never spent so much time riding in the car, and I'm happy to report that everyone was awesome. We were a little worried about Lizzy, and quite frankly mommy, as we girls are known to get a little squirrely in the car, but I guess we're all growing up because we were just fine, thank you very much! The first leg of our trip we stopped at Avila Beach. What a hidden gem! Our little hotel was right across from a play structure and grassy area, and super close to the beach. While we waited for our cousins to arrive, Lizzy and Peter loved scootering around the park and playing with bubbles. Lizzy was so excited when Caroline showed up, she ran and gave her a huge hug. We had a wonderful afternoon of playing in the ocean and hanging out with our cousins. Our vacation was off to a great start.

Fireworks!

Sure the Fourth of July is full of fun- we had a parade, played at a friend's house, then had a BBQ in the afternoon. It's pretty much just a day full of fun and eating (and eating, and then eating some more- I thought I might burst!). But the real fun, what we're all really waiting for, is when the sun goes down and the fireworks come out. Do-it-yourself street fireworks is new to me, but has quickly become a much loved Fourth of July tradition. It's hard to tell who loves it more- the kids........or the dads who get to be in charge of buying and lighting. Last year we had a whole bunch of big talkers that quickly turned into scaredy-cats when the "show" began. This year, everyone was really into it all. Everyone loved doing sparklers, then sat in awe and amazement, a little scared but still mesmerized by the colors and sparkles of the "big show." Peter got his firework fill at this point, and asked me to take him home, but Lizzy and the "big" kids were in heaven. I must say, street fireworks are pretty awesome and super fun.

4th of July Parade

Oh, how I love the Fourth of July! Not only is it quintessentially American, it's just a wonderful chance to enjoy family and friends. It's exciting, it's relaxing.......it's just awesome! We began ours with our neighborhood parade. The kids all got together and decorated their bikes and scooters while we adults mingled and chatted. What a gorgeous morning it was! Sunny, clear, a slight breeze- it felt just like you imagine summer to be. Soon, the parade began, and the kids raced around the block. I think it must be exhilarating for them to feel so free, even if just for a moment. What a joy to watch their carefree smiles, to hear their little giggles, to watch them just go, go, go....

A Sloth and a Horse

One of my favorite summertime activities is taking advantage of all the fun programs put on by the library. Last week, we got to see a presentation on "Animals of the Rain Forest." As Lizzy is a great lover of the rain forest, this one was a must. We were amazed by all the animals they brought out, but the one that made the biggest impression on Lizzy was the sloth. After the show, the kids found a small group of trees and had such fun climbing them and pretending they were different animals. Lizzy made a magnificent sloth. Peter, I guess having missed the entire rain forest connection, decided he was riding a horse in his tree. Fun nevertheless, I guess. Afterwards, the kids found a small hill, and Peter promptly layed down and rolled all the way down. It was hilarious. Lizzy quickly gave it a try, and they rolled and rolled down that hill. I remember how much I loved doing that, and I was very tempted to join in. I guess the best part of the library shows isn't really the shows at all. I think the best part is just being outside, using your imagination, and having fun.

Unexpected Summer Storm

Where we live, it never rains in the summer. In fact, I didn't even know it did rain in the summer some places until I was embarrassingly old. So we were all surprised and excited when a sudden storm hit after lunch one day. The kids went crazy! They ran around the house, pointing and yelling out their shock. Then, they ran to get their rain "gear" and burst outside. Their main objective- finding snails. Tons of them were out parading around the bushes. The snails must have been equally surprised, so they took advantage of this unexpected downpour. Peter collected snails in a little box, let a bunch of them crawl all over his arms and hands, then brought them inside (gross). We checked them out with our magnifying glasses them brought them back to their "home." We even squeezed in an afternoon hot chocolate to top off the day. What a perfect way to enjoy a summer storm.

Soccer Buddies

I've had a lesson in the testament to high expectations. I already know this one well, you'd think I'd remember, but I guess I needed a refresher. Lizzy and Peter are taking soccer this summer. I signed up Peter for the mommy-and-me class, and Lizzy was to follow in the "bigger" kids' class. Everyone had their gear, their balls, their water- perfect, right? Well.......not quite. When Peter saw his class, he knew it wasn't for him at all. The kids were a little smaller, there wasn't too much soccer going on, and most importantly..........no Lizzy anywhere to be seen. He balked, but a Peter-balk basically resembles a limp noodle making a low moaning noise. He really wasn't having any of it. Lizzy's class seemed perfect. The coach was great, the pace was perfect, and there was actual soccer being played. I asked the coach if Peter could give it a try, and the sweet coach said sure. Now we've finally found the perfect solution- Lizzy and Peter together! They love it. Lizzy always checks on Peter, tries to hold his hand, makes sure he's following along, but now, more and more often, Peter will shake her hand off and do his own thing. He follows along, gives high-fives, and is a regular big-boy soccer guy. It's adorable to behold, and a great reminder- kids rise to the occasion. Have high expectations because they will often meet them.